I stand in awe, in wonderment, under this massive tree. While the rest around it are bursting forth with life, it stands with its branches still bare, its trunk infested but still standing tall and proud.

The gnarled branches must each have a story... a tale to tell. Yes, it is now barren when not so long ago it matched the verdant grass lying at its foot.

It is young yet. But unless whatever is eating it up will stop, life will ebb soon.

But it will not go without a fight. It is screaming. Can you hear it?

I will not give up... I will fight it out until I die!